Balloon Catheter With Venting of Residual Air in a Proximal Direction

ABSTRACT

A balloon guide catheter system including a balloon guide catheter having a catheter shaft that includes: (i) a main lumen; (ii) an inflation lumen; and (iii) an exhaust lumen. The terminating distal end of the inflation lumen and the terminating distal end of the exhaust lumen being in localized fluid communication with one another underneath the balloon while in a non-inflated state. A balloon is disposed about a distal region of an outer surface of the catheter shaft. The exhaust lumen is configured to purge the residual air in a proximal direction and out from a proximal region of the balloon guide catheter.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 16/601,221, filed on Oct. 14, 2019, which claims the benefit of the following: U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/845,683, filed on May 9, 2019; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/845,699, filed on May 9, 2019; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/845,711, filed on May 9, 2019; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/845,747, filed on May 9, 2019, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an intravascular medical system. In particular, the present invention is directed to an improved balloon catheter with venting of residual air in a proximal direction.

Description of Related Art

Balloon catheters are widely used in connection with a variety of intravascular medical procedures or treatments. Typically, a fluid or liquid under pressure is injected into an inflation lumen of the catheter in order to inflate the balloon. Prior to being introduced into the body, the balloon catheter is prepped by the physician or interventionalist correctly following a multi-step process to properly purge residual air from the inflation lumen and balloon. Specifically, the purging of air from the inflation lumen prevents an air embolism from entering the vasculature system in the case of leak or rupture of the balloon. Furthermore, residual air is also purged from the balloon itself to insure inflation of the balloon using a desired volume of inflation medium that might otherwise be inaccurate due to the compressed unknown volume of residual air within the balloon.

One common technique for purging residual air from a balloon catheter prior to introduction into the body is by applying a vacuum or negative pressure to the proximal end of the inflation lumen using a syringe or vacuum and drawing out as much air as possible proximally through the inflation lumen. Then the syringe vacuum is closed off via a valve (e.g., a three-way luer valve) and the inflation lumen is opened under vacuum allowing the dispensing of the inflation medium therethrough and into the balloon. During injection of the inflation medium, the balloon is preferably held vertically with a downward inclination to promote air to exhaust allowing the residual air within the catheter to rise through the inflation medium towards an inflation port. The inflation medium and some air bubbles are withdrawn from the catheter, and additional inflation medium is again injected. It is not uncommon for these steps to have to be repeated multiple times to adequately purge the catheter of the residual air, requiring a substantial amount of preparation time. With each iteration these steps must be correctly followed.

In angiographic balloon catheter systems, the device is configured so that the residual air from the inflation lumen and balloon is exhausted via a distal vent, rather than proximally.

Since the prepping steps are numerous and time consuming, physicians and interventionalist may be discouraged from using the device altogether. Those physicians or interventionalist that use the device, may unintentionally omit from following the proper prepping steps or do so improperly after introducing the balloon catheter into the body resulting in potential health risks to the patient.

It is therefore desirable to design an improved balloon catheter and method for use of such improved balloon catheter with venting of residual air in a proximal direction while minimizing the steps associated therewith thereby promoting use of the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention relates to an improved balloon catheter with venting of residual air in a proximal direction.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a balloon guide catheter system including a balloon guide catheter. The balloon guide catheter has a catheter shaft with a proximal end and an opposite distal end; wherein the catheter shaft includes: (i) a main lumen defined axially through the catheter shaft; (ii) an inflation lumen extending axially along the catheter shaft; the inflation lumen having a proximal end, an opposite terminating distal end; and (iii) an exhaust lumen extending axially along the catheter shaft, the exhaust lumen having a proximal end and an opposite terminating distal end. The terminating distal end of the inflation lumen and the terminating distal end of the exhaust lumen are in localized fluid communication with one another underneath the balloon while in a non-inflated state. In addition, the balloon guide catheter further includes a balloon disposed about a distal region of an outer surface of the catheter shaft, wherein the exhaust lumen is configured to purge the residual air in a proximal direction and out from a proximal region of the balloon guide catheter.

Still another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for using a balloon guide catheter system as described in the preceding paragraph. The method including the step of dispensing an inflation medium through an inflation port of a hub connected to the proximal end of the catheter shaft and into the inflation lumen. The inflation medium is advanced distally through the inflation lumen pushed by the dispensed inflation medium, causing the residual air to be exhausted proximally through the exhaust lumen exiting from the terminating distal end of the inflation lumen. The residual air being expelled through a membrane permitting passage therethrough of only the residual air and out from a proximal region of the balloon guide catheter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The foregoing and other features of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description and drawings illustrative of the invention wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements throughout the several views and in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the balloon catheter in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of the dashed square area 1B of the balloon portion of the balloon catheter of FIG. 1A depicting the mesh surface profile beneath the balloon that promotes fluid communication between the inflation and exhaust lumen;

FIG. 2A is an alternative hub portion configuration (dashed square area II) of the balloon catheter of FIG. 1A with a 1-way valve attached to the exhaust port of the hub;

FIG. 2B is still another hub portion configuration (dashed square area II) of the balloon catheter of FIG. 1A with a purge lung serving as the exhaust port of the hub;

FIGS. 3A-3D depict radial cross-sectional views of different exemplary configurations of the exhaust and inflation lumen in the present inventive balloon catheter along lines in FIG. 1B;

FIG. 4A is a partial axial cross-sectional view of the distal end of the present inventive catheter with the balloon in a deflated state taut against the outer surface of the catheter shaft, wherein terminating distal ends of the respective inflation and exhaust lumen coincide within a single D-shape localized fluid communication channel defined in the outer wall of the catheter shaft;

FIG. 4B is a top view of the catheter in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a radial cross-sectional view through the localized fluid communication channel of FIG. 4A alone lines IV(C)-IV(C);

FIGS. 4D-4F are alternative exemplary radial cross-sectional views through the localized fluid communication channel showing different arrangements of the terminating distal ends of the respective inflation and exhaust lumen that coincide within a single localized fluid communication channel defined in an outer wall of the catheter shaft;

FIG. 4G is a top view of the distal end of the present inventive catheter with the balloon in a deflated (non-inflated) state, wherein terminating distal ends of the respective inflation and exhaust lumens coincide within a single localized fluid communication channel defined in the outer wall of the catheter shaft and a surface profile disposed about a portion of the outer surface of the catheter shaft;

FIG. 4H is a top view of the distal end of the present inventive catheter with the balloon in a deflated (non-inflated) state, wherein terminating distal ends of the respective inflation and exhaust lumens are staggered relative to one another so that the terminating distal end of the inflation lumen coincides with a first localized fluid communication channel, while the terminating distal end of the exhaust lumen coincides with a second localized fluid communication channel spaced apart in an axial direction from the first localized fluid communication channel;

FIG. 4I is a partial top view of an axial section of the catheter shaft without the balloon, wherein the localized fluid communication channel is a punched hole (e.g., oval, circle, etc.) and the inflation lumen extends axially partially into the punched hole;

FIG. 4J is a partial top view of an axial section of the catheter shaft without the balloon, wherein the localized fluid communication channel is a punched hole (e.g., oval, circle, etc.) and the inflation lumen terminates at the interface with the punched hole;

FIG. 4K is a radial cross-sectional view through the localized fluid communication channel of FIG. 4I along lines IV(K)-IV(K) showing the inflation lumen coinciding within a single localized fluid communication channel defined in an outer wall of the catheter shaft;

FIG. 4L is a partial top view of an axial section of the catheter shaft without the balloon, wherein the localized fluid communication channel is a punched hole (e.g., oval, circle, etc.) and respective terminating ends of the inflation and exhaust lumen terminate at the interface with the punched hole;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present inventive balloon catheter advanced to a target site within a vessel of the body;

FIG. 6A is a partial axial cross-sectional view of the distal end of an exemplary configuration of the present inventive balloon catheter in a deflated state (non-inflated state); wherein the inflation lumen is concentrically arranged and the exhaust lumen is eccentrically arranged relative to that of the main/guidewire lumen;

FIG. 6B is a radial cross-sectional view of the balloon catheter of FIG. 6A along lines VI(B)-VI(B);

FIG. 6C is a partial axial cross-sectional view of the distal end of the balloon catheter of FIG. 6A, while the balloon is in an inflated state;

FIG. 6D is a top view of a portion of the balloon catheter of FIG. 6A with the balloon removed depicting the arrangement of the inlet and outlet ports in the catheter shaft;

FIG. 7A is a partial axial cross-sectional view of the distal end of another exemplary configuration of the present inventive balloon catheter with the balloon in a deflated (non-inflated) state; wherein the inflation lumen is concentrically arranged and the exhaust lumen is eccentrically arranged relative to that of the main/guidewire lumen;

FIG. 7B is a radial cross-sectional view of the balloon catheter of FIG. 7A along lines VIIB-VIIB;

FIG. 7C is a partial axial cross-sectional view of the distal end of the balloon catheter of FIG. 7A, while the balloon is in an inflated state;

FIG. 8A is a partial axial cross-sectional view of the distal end of still another exemplary configuration of the present inventive balloon catheter with the balloon in a deflated (non-inflated) state; wherein the inflation lumen is concentrically arranged and the exhaust lumen is eccentrically arranged relative to that of the main/guidewire lumen; and wherein the exhaust lumen is disposed within and extends axially through a portion of the inflation lumen;

FIG. 8B is a radial cross-sectional view of the balloon catheter of FIG. 8A along lines VIII(B)-VIII(B);

FIG. 8C is a partial axial cross-sectional view of the distal end of the balloon catheter of FIG. 8A, while the balloon is in an inflated state;

FIG. 9A is a partial axial cross-sectional view of the distal end of yet another exemplary configuration of the present inventive balloon catheter with the balloon in a deflated (non-inflated) state; wherein the inflation lumen is concentrically arranged and the two exhaust lumens are eccentrically arranged relative to that of the main/guide lumen; and wherein the exhaust lumen crosses over that of the inflation lumen radially inward of the exhaust lumen;

FIG. 9B is a radial cross-sectional view of the balloon catheter of FIG. 9A along lines IX(B)-IX(B);

FIG. 9C is a partial axial cross-sectional view of the distal end of the balloon catheter of FIG. 9A, while the balloon is in an inflated state;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of still another aspect of the present inventive balloon guide catheter without the balloon;

FIG. 10B is a radial cross-sectional view of the balloon guide catheter of FIG. 10A along lines X(B)-X(B);

FIG. 11A is an axial cross-sectional view of the hub in FIG. 10A when the valve is positioned in an open state during purging of the residual air from the catheter as well as inflation of the balloon; and

FIG. 11B is an axial cross-sectional view of the hub in FIG. 10A when the valve is positioned in a closed state during deflation of the balloon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The terms “distal” or “proximal” are used in the following description with respect to a position or direction relative to the treating physician or medical interventionalist. “Distal” or “distally” are a position distant from or in a direction away from the physician or interventionalist. “Proximal” or “proximally” or “proximate” are a position near or in a direction toward the physician or medical interventionalist. The terms “occlusion”, “clot” or “blockage” are used interchangeably.

The present inventive balloon catheter has multiple lumens arranged in the outer wall of the catheter radially outward relative to a main lumen that receives a guidewire therethrough. Specifically, there is at least one inflation lumen and at least one exhaust/venting lumen, each extending axially in the outer wall of the catheter from the hub to the balloon. Respective distal ends of the inflation lumen and exhaust/venting lumen are in localized fluid communication with one another. The diameter size of the main lumen of the device is sufficient to serve as a conduit for guidewire(s) (e.g., 0.014″, 0.018″, 0.035″ & 0.038″ guidewires) as well as ancillary devices such as; accommodating microcatheters, mechanical thrombectomy devices, diagnostic catheters, intermediate catheters/aspiration catheters during the procedure. Preferably, the main lumen has a diameter of approximately 0.088″.

Regardless of the particular configuration, the present inventive balloon catheter purges, exhaust or vents residual air in a proximal direction from the balloon catheter.

Referring to the perspective view of the present inventive balloon catheter 100 depicted in FIG. 1A, the catheter has a proximal end 105 and an opposite distal end 110. A hub 130 is secured proximate the proximal end 105 of the balloon catheter 100. In a first configuration illustrated in FIG. 1A, hub 130 includes a main/guidewire port 140 for receiving therein a guidewire 90 or ancillary device. A separate inflation medium port 135 is also provided in the hub 130 for receiving therein inflation medium (e.g., preferably, a 50% contrast saline solution) introduced into the balloon catheter 100 from a syringe or other dispensing mechanism (syringe 536 is shown in FIG. 5 ). In the configuration shown in FIG. 1A, hub 130 does not have an exhaust or vent port. Rather, residual air is vented or exhausted via an aperture defined in the exterior surface of the exhaust lumen proximate the proximal end of the catheter shaft, but distally of the hub 130. While in a deflated (non-inflated) state, balloon 115 fits tightly around the catheter shaft prohibiting residual air from being present between the deflated balloon and catheter shaft. Distal terminating ends of both the inflation lumen 125 and exhaust lumen 120 coincide beneath the balloon 115 and are arranged close to one another so that the relatively low volume residual air in the inflation lumen communicates effectively to the exhaust lumen. The progressing inflation medium follows the path of least resistance flowing into the balloon region rather than advancing back up the exhaust lumen.

Arranged axially or longitudinally through the balloon catheter 100 starting from the proximal end 105 are at least three separate, distinct, independent lumen, namely a main/guidewire lumen 123, an exhaust lumen 120 and an inflation lumen 125. The exhaust and inflation lumen 120, 125 are arranged radially outward relative to the main/guidewire lumen 123. In addition, the main/guidewire lumen 123 extends from the proximal end 105 to the opposite distal end 110, while respective terminating distal ends of the exhaust lumen 120 and inflation lumen 125 terminate beneath the balloon 115 (coincide with the balloon), as is clearly visible from the enlarged partial view of the distal end of the catheter in FIG. 1B.

Preferably, proximate the terminating distal end of the exhaust lumen 120 is a microporous membrane or filter 121. Pores of the microporous membrane are sized to permit only the passage of gas (e.g., residual air) therethrough, liquid (inflation medium) dispensed through the inflation lumen is prevented from permeating through the microporous membrane allowing the pressure within the inflation lumen to build-up and inflate the balloon as the volume within the balloon fills with the inflation medium. Preferably, the microporous membrane is a certain grade (based on porosity and thickness) of sintered polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), for example, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) that permits the passage of air molecules therethrough but acts as a barrier to larger higher cohesive molecules such as water and contrast agent. Such microporous membrane may also prevent air-locking of the exhaust lumen and improper operation of the catheter.

FIG. 2A is an alternative configuration of the hub 130′ which includes an exhaust port 137 (through which the residual air purged in a proximal direction exits from the balloon catheter 100) as well as the previously described inflation port 135 and main/guidewire port 140. Different ancillary devices are connectable to the exhaust port 137. In one exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 2A, a 1-way valve 145 may be connected to the exhaust port 137 to control expelling the residual air from the balloon catheter. An alternative configuration is shown in FIG. 2B wherein the exhaust port 137 has been replaced by an inflatable lung, container or sac 150 to store therein the residual air that has been proximally purged from the balloon catheter.

In operation of the present inventive balloon catheter, inflation medium (preferably, 50% contrast saline solution) is introduced into the catheter using a syringe or other dispensing device attached to the inflation port of the hub. The inflation medium travels through the inflation lumen and into the deflated balloon. A microporous membrane located at the interface of the balloon and exhaust lumen has pores that are sized to prohibit the passage therethrough of the inflation medium, allowing only the residual air to pass out of the balloon and through the exhaust lumen. As the balloon fills with the inflation medium it inflates. Coinciding with the inflation of the balloon, the pressure inside the balloon increases causing the residual air in the balloon to be automatically exhausted or vented in a proximal direction through the exhaust lumen. At the hub, the residual air exiting from the balloon catheter may be controlled using a sealable 1-way exhaust valve and/or the purged residual air can be stored in an inflatable or expandable purge lung thereby removing the residual air from the system and storing it outside of the body in the hub by taking advantage of the fact that it is compressible.

By way of non-limiting example, numerous configurations of one or more exhaust lumen and one or more inflation lumen, each arranged radially outward from the main lumen in the balloon catheter 100 are shown and described. Additional configurations are possible and within the intended scope of the present invention with the common feature among the different configurations that the residual air is exhausted through the exhaust lumen in a proximal direction, rather than in a distal direction, from the catheter. Several exemplary designs of the exhaust and inflation lumen as well as their arrangement relative to one another in the balloon catheter are illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D. In FIG. 3A, the inflation lumen 125A has a curved segment radial cross-section whose radius of curvature shares a common center (coaxial; concentric) with that of the main/guidewire lumen 123A. Two exhaust lumen 120A having a circular radial cross-section are illustrated radially displaced from one another as far as possible within the inflation lumen 125A, but any number of one or more exhaust lumen may be provided, as desired, as well as the location or spacing of the exhaust lumen(s) 120A within the inflation lumen 125A. FIG. 3B is an alternative configuration wherein each of the exhaust and inflation lumens 120B, 125B, respectively, has a curved segment radial cross-section whose radius of curvature shares a common center (coaxial; concentric) with that of the main/guidewire lumen 123B. Yet another configuration is depicted in FIG. 3C. Similar to FIG. 3A, the inflation lumen 125C in FIG. 3C has a curved segment radial cross-section whose radius of curvature shares a common center (coaxial; concentric) with that of the main/guidewire lumen 123C. However, in this particular design a single exhaust lumen 120C is separate, distinct and independent of the inflation lumen 125C (not disposed within the inflation lumen, as in FIG. 3A). While still another possible configuration is illustrated in FIG. 3D. Like that of FIG. 3B, each of the exhaust and inflation lumens 120D, 125D, respectively, in FIG. 3D has a curved segment radial cross-section whose radius of curvature shares a common center (coaxial; concentric) with that of the main/guidewire lumen 123A. FIG. 3D differs from FIG. 3B in that the exhaust and inflation lumen 120D, 125D, respectively, are arranged approximately 180 degrees radially separated from one another (mirror images of one another). In another embodiment the curved inflation and exhaust lumens may be ‘D’ shaped or have a smaller/larger radius or curvature than that of the main/guidewire lumen. These are only non-limiting illustrative examples of different arrangements of the main, exhaust and inflation lumens in the catheter.

FIG. 4A is an exemplary partial axial cross-sectional view of the respective distal ends of an exhaust lumen 420 and inflation lumen 425 coinciding with the balloon 415, wherein the balloon is shown in a deflated (non-inflated) state. A localized fluid communication channel, basin or recess 475 is defined in the outer wall of the catheter shaft in a location anywhere in an axial direction that coincides with the balloon (e.g., proximal region of the balloon, mid region of the balloon, distal region of the balloon) so long as the channel is beneath/underneath (coincides with) the balloon 415. As is clearly visible from the top view in FIG. 4B, the localized fluid communication channel 475 may be D-shape, however, other geometric shapes (e.g., circle, oval, etc.) are contemplated. Fluid communication between terminating distal ends of the respective inflation lumen 425 and exhaust/vent lumen 420 occurs within this localized fluid communication channel 475. In FIG. 4B, the terminating distal ends of the respective exhaust and inflation lumen extend partially into the localized fluid communication channel 475. Alternatively, the terminating distal ends of the respective exhaust and inflation lumen may coincide with the perimeter or interface of the localized communication channel 475. FIG. 4C is a radial cross-sectional view through the localized fluid communication channel 475 along lines IV(C)-IV(C) of FIG. 4A depicting the side-by-side configuration of the terminating distal ends of the respective inflation and exhaust lumens 425, 420 therein. While in a deflated (non-inflated) state, balloon 415 is taut around the outer surface of the catheter shaft, as shown in FIG. 4A. As a result, following the path of least resistance, the residual air advanced through the inflation lumen 425 by the pressurized injected inflation medium is expelled proximally through the exhaust lumen 420 and from the catheter, without inflating the balloon 415.

Alternative arrangements or configurations of the terminating distal ends of the respective exhaust and inflation lumen within the localized fluid communication channel 475 radially outward from the main/guidewire lumen 423 are depicted in the different radial cross-sectional views in FIG. 4D-4F. Addressing each separately, in FIG. 4D, inflation lumen 425 and exhaust lumen 420 are side-by-side in physical contact with one another and equal both in inner and outer diameters. FIG. 4E illustrates again a side-by-side arrangement with the two lumens in physical contact with one another within the localized fluid communication channel 475, however, the lumen differ in both inner and outer diameters. Specifically, the outer diameter of inflation lumen 425 is smaller than the outer diameter of the exhaust lumen 420, but the inner diameter of the inflation lumen 425 is larger than the inner diameter of the exhaust lumen 420. Preferably, the inner diameter of the inflation lumen is greater than the inner diameter of the exhaust lumen since the exhaust lumen merely functions to exhaust the residual air. In the arrangement in FIG. 4F, the inflation and exhaust lumens 425, 420 again are disposed side-by-side in physical contact with one another within the localized fluid communication channel 475. The outer diameters of the inflation and exhaust lumen are equal in diameter, while the inner diameter of the inflation lumen 425 is greater than that of the exhaust lumen 420. Any combination or permutation of these arrangements of the exhaust and inflation lumens within the channel as well as the sizes of the inner and outer diameters of each lumen is within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 4G is a top view of a partial distal section of still another configuration of the present inventive balloon catheter having a single localized fluid communication channel defined in the shaft in which distal terminating ends of respective exhaust and inflation lumen coincide within the single localized fluid communication channel. Disposed about a portion of the outer perimeter of the catheter shaft is a surface profile 480 that coincides with the localized fluid communication channel 475 to promote the flow of fluid from the inflation lumen 425 to the exhaust lumen 420. Preferably, the surface profile 480 is a mesh made of polymeric, metal and/or other material wrapped about the outer surface of the catheter shaft. The balloon extends axially so as to completely cover or enclose the surface profile 480. A radial cross-sectional profile through the single localized fluid communication channel 475 would be similar to that illustrated in FIG. 4C, although different arrangements such as those shown in FIGS. 4D-4F are possible, as desired.

FIG. 4H is a top view of still another configuration in which the terminating distal end of the inflation lumen 425 coincides with a first localized fluid communication channel 475′, while the terminating distal end of the exhaust lumen 420 coincides with a second localized fluid communication channel 475″ displaced axially apart from the first localized fluid communication channel 475′. In this arrangement, the surface profile 480 coincides with both the first and second localized fluid communication channels 475′, 475″. Once again, the surface profile 480 promotes fluid communication between inflation and exhaust lumens which is particularly applicable in this arrangement wherein the first and second localized fluid communication channels 475′, 475″ are displaced axially from one another along the catheter shaft.

A top view of a section of the catheter shaft (without the balloon) shown in FIGS. 4I & 4J shows a first localized fluid communication channel as a punched hole (e.g., oval, circle, etc.) defined in an outer surface of the catheter shaft. The terminating distal end of the inflation lumen 425 extends partially into the punched hole 475 in FIG. 4I, whereas in FIG. 4J the terminating distal end of the inflation lumen 425 is aligned with the interface of the punched hole 475, that is, the terminating distal end of the inflation lumen does not extend into the punched hole. A radial cross-sectional view through the first localized fluid communication channel 475 of FIG. 4I along lines IV(K)-IV(K) is shown in FIG. 4K. The position of the inflation lumen 425 within the first localized fluid communication channel 475 in FIG. 4K is to the left; however, the position may be selected, as desired, anywhere within the first localized fluid communication channel 475 (e.g., midway within the channel, to the right within the channel, etc.). As previously mentioned, terminating distal ends of respective inflation and exhaust lumens may be aligned with (coincide with) an interface of a single punched hole defined in the outer surface of the catheter shaft serving as the single localized fluid communication channel, as shown in FIG. 4L.

FIG. 5 shows the present inventive balloon catheter 500 with the balloon 515 in an inflated state at a target site in an artery 550. Syringe 536 or other injection device is connected to the inflation port 535 in FIG. 5 to introduce inflation medium (e.g., 50/50 contrast/saline solution) into the inflation lumen. A one-way or manual valve 545 is connected to the exhaust port 537 to control the purging of residual air from the catheter. The main/guidewire port or opening 540 is also provided in the hub 530 for receiving a guidewire 90 therein.

FIG. 6A is a partial axial cross-sectional view of the distal end of another exemplary configuration of a balloon catheter 600 in accordance with the present invention, wherein the balloon 615 is in a deflated (non-inflated) state. The inflation and exhaust lumens 625, 620, respectively, are two separate channels or passageways that extend side-by-side axially in the catheter shaft or body. The inflation lumen 625 terminates in at least one inlet port, opening or channel 630 (two being illustrated in FIG. 6A) defined in the outer surface anywhere along the catheter shaft and in fluid communication with the balloon 615 through which the inflation medium passes. Whereas, the residual air is exhausted through an outlet port, opening or channel 635 and into the exhaust lumen 620 defined in the catheter shaft. A reinforcing member, preferably a metal wire, preferably a 0.001″-0.003″ stainless steel wire such as SS304 grade, made into a coil, braid or both may be provided along a portion of the catheter shaft between the main lumen 623 and the inflation lumen 625 to enhance the stiffness of the distal region of the catheter to aid during navigation of the vessel. The reinforcing member is preferably embedded in a soft, flexible polymeric material to prevent the catheter lumen from ovalling, prolapsing and kinking.

In FIG. 6A the reinforcing member is a braid 640 disposed about a proximal region of the catheter shaft followed distally thereafter by a coil 640′ disposed along a distal region of the catheter shaft. Alternatively, either the braid or coil alone may serve as the reinforcing member. To minimize friction when auxiliary devices are inserted through the main lumen, an inner liner, preferably made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), may be provided. Furthermore, to minimize kinking of the catheter in an axial direction during advancement through the vasculature, a reinforcing inner sheath or sleeve 645 may be provided between the main lumen 623 and the inflation lumen 625, radially inward of the reinforcing member. Preferably, inlet opening 630 is disposed distally in an axial direction relative to that of the outlet opening 635. As is illustrated in the radial cross-sectional view of FIG. 6B, the inflation lumen 625 is concentrically (coaxially) arranged, while the exhaust lumen 620 is eccentrically arranged, relative to the main lumen 623. FIG. 6C depicts the catheter 600 while the balloon 615 is in an inflated state with the inlet and outlet openings 630, 635, respectively, in fluid communication with the balloon 615. A top view (FIG. 6D) of the catheter shaft without the balloon shows the arrangement of the inlet and outlet openings 630, 635. Once again, any number of one or more inlet ports and one or more outlet ports may be varied, as desired, along with the arrangement of those ports along the catheter shaft.

FIG. 7A is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the distal end of yet another exemplary configuration of the balloon catheter 700 in accordance with the present invention. Once again, the inflation lumen 725 is disposed radially outward of the main lumen 723 between the concentric shafts (see FIG. 7B). An exhaust lumen 720 is created by bonding, welding, mounting or attaching a thin polymer jacket 716 about the outer surface of the catheter shaft creating a passageway or space therebetween that serves as an exhaust lumen 720. Inflation medium travels though the inflation lumen 725, out from the inlet opening 730, and into the balloon 715. Residual air travels along the outer surface of the catheter shaft enters the outlet opening 735 and through the exhaust lumen 720 created by the polymer jacket 716 mounted to the outer surface of the catheter shaft. The axial distance D between the inlet port 730 and the outlet port 735 is preferably minimized to assist in communication of expelled residual air between the inflation and exhaust lumen. The relatively large exhaust lumen created by the relatively thin polymer jacket mounted to the outer surface of the outer shaft provides the benefit of reduced prepping time and superior deflation times when the exhaust lumen is opened. As with the previously described configurations, reinforcing structures, e.g., a braid 740, coil 740′ and/or inner sheath 745 may be employed to provide enhanced stiffness to the catheter.

FIG. 8A is a partial axial cross-sectional view of the distal end of still another exemplary configuration of the balloon catheter 800 in accordance with the present invention. This design is similar to that of FIG. 6A in that the inflation lumen 825 is concentrically arranged relative to the main lumen 823. However, the axially extending exhaust lumen 820 is an independent isolated lumen disposed entirely within the inflation lumen 825 between the inner and outer shafts of the catheter body, as shown in FIG. 8B. Once again, the inlet opening 830 is in fluid communication with the balloon 815, while the outlet opening 835 is defined in the outer shaft providing a direct communication between the balloon 815 and exhaust lumen 820. An enlarged inner diameter is a benefit of this balloon catheter design able to accommodate a wide range of ancillary devices having larger outer diameters. As with all the different configuration, reinforcing structures, e.g., a braid 840, a coil 840′ and/or an inner sheath 845 may be employed to provide enhanced stiffness to the catheter.

Yet another exemplary configuration of the balloon catheter 900 in accordance with the present invention is represented by the partial axial cross-sectional view of the distal end of the catheter in FIG. 9A. The inflation lumen 925 is concentrically arranged relative to the main lumen 923, while each of the two exhaust lumens 920 are eccentrically arranged relative to the main lumen 923. In the previous embodiments (FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A & 7B), the inflation lumen was disposed between the inner and outer shafts comprising the catheter body. In the design of FIG. 9A, the exhaust lumen 920 is disposed within the inner catheter shaft radially between the main lumen 923 and the inflation lumen 925. As is evident from the longitudinal cross-sectional view in FIG. 9B, the exhaust lumen 920 traverses (cross-over without being in fluid communication) the inflation lumen 925. FIG. 9B is a radial cross-sectional view of the catheter along lines IX(B)-IX(B) in which the two exhaust lumens 920 disposed within the inner shaft and radially inward of the inflation lumen 925 is clearly illustrated. FIG. 9C depicts the catheter of FIG. 9A while in an inflated state.

In each of the different exemplary configurations illustrated in FIGS. 6B, 7B, 8B, 9B, the inflation lumen is concentric (coaxial), while the exhaust lumen is eccentric, with respect to the main/guidewire lumen.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of yet another configuration of the present inventive balloon guide catheter having dual lumen (one inflation lumen 1025 and one exhaust lumen 1020) defined in the outer wall of the catheter shaft, aside from the main lumen 1023. Terminating distal ends of the respective inflation and exhaust lumens 1025, 1023 coincide with a localized fluid communication channel, recess or basin 1075. The localized fluid communication channel 1075 is where the terminating distal ends of the respective inflation and exhaust lumens are in fluid communication with one another. A balloon, not illustrated in FIG. 10A, is assembled taut or snug about the outer surface of the distal region of the catheter shaft covering the localized fluid communication channel 1075. The side-by-side axial arrangement of the radial section inflation and exhaust lumens 1025, 1020 disposed in the outer wall of the outer shaft radially outward from the main lumen 1023 is shown in FIG. 10B. Different arrangements of the one or more inflation lumen and one or more exhaust lumen are possible, such as, but not limited to, those depicted in FIGS. 3A-3D. A proximal hub 1030 is connected to the proximal end of the balloon guide catheter. Hub 1030 includes a main/guidewire port 1040, an inflation port 1035 and an exhaust/vent port 1045. A valve 1095 is disposed at the exhaust port 1045.

FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional axial view of the hub 1030 in FIG. 10A, wherein a 3-way valve 1095 is oriented or positioned for inflation of the balloon with an inflation medium (e.g., 50/50 contrast/saline solution) injected into the inflation port 1040 (via a syringe 536 similar to that shown in FIG. 5 ). Inflation medium injected into the inflation port 1040 enters an inflation opening 1026 in the outer wall of the catheter shaft and fills the inflation lumen 1025. Upon the inflation medium reaching the localized fluid communication channel it enters the exhaust lumen 1020 and travels proximally therethrough exiting from the vent opening 1027 and into the hub 1030. As the inflation medium is dispensed from the syringe under pressure and travels through the catheter residual air from within the inflation lumen and balloon is vented, purged or exhausted proximally from the catheter. Valve 1095 disposed distally of the exhaust port 1045 is oriented or positioned in FIG. 11A in an open state allowing the flow of residual air therethrough which then passes out of the exhaust port 1045 via a microporous membrane or filter 1021. Pores or openings of the microporous membrane or filter 1021 are sized to permit the passage therethrough of residual air, while prohibiting or preventing passage therethrough of the inflation medium. Once the residual air has been fully purged from the catheter, any additional flow of the inflation medium or increase in pressure applied by the syringe causes the balloon to inflate. Flow rates of the inflation medium are maintained so that full venting of residual air occurs without sufficient pressure built-up or generated in the catheter to initiate inflation of the balloon.

The localized fluid communication channel 1075 underneath the balloon is designed so that both lumens (the exhaust lumen 1020 and the inflation lumen 1025) communicate allowing residual air and inflation medium to flow out from the terminating distal end of the inflation lumen and into the terminating distal end of the exhaust lumen.

Deflation of the balloon is achieved by attaching a vacuum (e.g., syringe) to the inflation port 1040 creating a negative pressure within the catheter. When it is time to deflate the balloon, valve 1095 is oriented to close off flow to the exhaust port 1045. Upon application of a vacuum or suction (e.g., syringe) attached to the inflation port 1040 creating a negative pressure within the catheter the inflation medium exhausted from the exhaust lumen is redirected into the bridge fluid communication channel 1090, combining with the inflation medium vented through the inflation lumen and out from the inflation port 1040. This unique hub configuration and, in particular, the orientation or positioning of the valve during deflation to close off the exhaust port 1045, upon application of a vacuum to the inflation port provides for the removal of inflation medium simultaneously through both inflation and exhaust lumens thereby optimizing deflation of the balloon.

Preferably, the configuration of the hub 1030 is optimized by minimizing its overall axial length in order to minimize cost of manufacture as well as minimize the unusable length of hub that other catheters go through. It is also contemplated to replace the 3-way manual valve 1095 with a spring-loaded or ball valve that is automatically actuated upon the introduction of a suction or vacuum applied to the inflation port 1040.

Exhausting of residual air from the present inventive balloon catheter is less complicated requiring less time to accomplish than conventional devices. In accordance with the present invention, air is automatically purged in the proximal direction from the balloon catheter. Specifically, preparation of the present inventive balloon catheter starts with inflation medium being passed through the inflation lumen which coincides with the residual air being purged, evacuated or exhausted from the system in a proximal direction via the exhaust lumen reducing preparation time. Furthermore, since the residual air is vented in a proximal direction safety concerns associated with purging air once the catheter has been introduced in the body have been eliminated.

The present inventive closed loop proximal venting system has several advantages. Since the residual air is vented in a proximal direction preparation of the device by the interventionalist may occur while the device is in the patient. Another benefit of the present inventive closed loop proximal design is that the inflation medium automatically expels the residual air/gas through the microporous membrane and out the exhaust lumen while the inflation medium is prevented from passing through the microporous membrane thereby causing the balloon to inflate and expand. Accordingly, the need for a valve or other mechanical device for causing the balloon to inflate once the residual air has been purged has been eliminated in accordance with the present invention.

Thus, while there have been shown, described, and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the systems/devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or steps that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way, to achieve the same results be within the scope of the invention. Substitutions of elements from one described embodiment to another are also fully intended and contemplated. It is also to be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but that they are merely conceptual in nature. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Every issued patent, pending patent application, publication, journal article, book or any other reference cited herein is each incorporated by reference in their entirety. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A balloon guide catheter system comprising: a balloon guide catheter, comprising: a catheter shaft with a proximal end and an opposite distal end; wherein the catheter shaft includes: (i) a main lumen defined axially through the catheter shaft; (ii) an inflation lumen extending axially along the catheter shaft; the inflation lumen having a proximal end, an opposite terminating distal end; and (iii) an exhaust lumen extending axially along the catheter shaft, the exhaust lumen having a proximal end and an opposite terminating distal end; a balloon disposed about a distal region of an outer surface of the catheter shaft; wherein the terminating distal end of the inflation lumen and the terminating distal end of the exhaust lumen being in localized fluid communication with one another underneath the balloon while in a non-inflated state held taut against the outer surface of the catheter shaft from a proximal end to an opposite distal end of the balloon; and wherein the exhaust lumen is configured to purge the residual air in a proximal direction and out from a proximal region of the balloon guide catheter.
 2. The balloon guide catheter system according to claim 1, wherein the catheter shaft has an outer surface with a first localized fluid communication channel defined therein located underneath the balloon via which the terminating distal ends of the respective inflation and exhaust lumens are in localized fluid communication with one another.
 3. The balloon guide catheter system according to claim 1, wherein the inflation and exhaust lumen are radially separated a predetermined distance from one another.
 4. The balloon guide catheter system according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust lumen is disposed within the inflation lumen.
 5. The balloon guide catheter system according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust lumen is eccentrically arranged relative to the main lumen.
 6. The balloon guide catheter system according to claim 5, wherein the exhaust lumen is disposed radially inward of, radially outward of, or within the inflation lumen.
 7. The balloon guide catheter system according to claim 1, further comprising a hub connected to the proximal end of the catheter shaft; the hub comprising: an inflation port in fluid communication with the inflation lumen; an exhaust port in fluid communication with the exhaust lumen; a bridge fluid communication channel connecting the inflation and exhaust ports; a membrane disposed within the exhaust port, the membrane having openings defined therein sized to permit passage of only air therethrough; a valve disposed within the exhaust port distally of the membrane, the valve being transitionable between two states: (i) an open state in which air is permitted to pass through the membrane and out from the exhaust port; and (ii) a closed state in which inflation medium from the exhaust lumen is redirected through the bridge fluid communication channel and into the inflation lumen.
 8. A method for using a balloon guide catheter system including a balloon guide catheter having a catheter shaft with a proximal end and an opposite distal end; wherein the catheter shaft includes: (i) a main lumen defined axially through the catheter shaft; (ii) an inflation lumen extending axially along the catheter shaft, the inflation lumen having a proximal end, an opposite terminating distal end and being disposed radially outward and concentric with respect to the main lumen; (iii) an exhaust lumen extending axially along the catheter shaft, the exhaust lumen having a proximal end and an opposite terminating distal end; the balloon guide catheter further including a balloon disposed about a distal region of an outer surface of the catheter shaft; wherein the terminating distal end of the inflation lumen and the terminating distal end of the exhaust lumen being in fluid communication with one another underneath the balloon while in a non-inflated state-held taught against the outer surface of the catheter shaft from a proximal end to an opposite distal end of the balloon; the exhaust lumen configured to purge the residual air in a proximal direction and out from a proximal region of the balloon guide catheter; the method comprising the steps of: dispensing an inflation medium through an inflation port of a hub connected to the proximal end of the catheter shaft and into the inflation lumen; advancing distally through the inflation lumen the residual air pushed by the dispensed inflation medium; exhausting proximally through the exhaust lumen the residual air exiting from the terminating distal end of the inflation lumen; and expelling the residual air through a membrane permitting passage therethrough of only the residual air and out from a proximal region of the balloon guide catheter.
 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the expelling step comprises positioning the valve in an open state to allow the passage of the residual air therethrough and out of the hub via an exhaust port.
 10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of: following fully purging of the residual air from the balloon guide catheter, inflating of the balloon to an inflated state by the continued dispensing of the inflation medium into the inflation lumen.
 11. The method according to claim 8, wherein the balloon guide catheter is advanced to a target site within a vessel prior to dispensing of the inflation medium. 